On Monday, October 26, San Jose Fire dispatched a Tier 2 brush fire response to Santa Teresa Boulevard at Bailey Avenue, in south San Jose. At 3:33 A.M., Cal Fire Morgan Hill dispatched a response of 6 engines, 1 dozer and 1 Chief to assist San Jose. San Jose paged Fire Associates at 3:29 A.M. for a Fire Support Unit and John Whiteside responded with FSU-3, departing San Jose Station 35 for the short drive to the fire.
As John neared the scene, he could see a very impressive fire line snaking up the hillsides toward Santa Teresa County Park, with red lights flashing from many fire rigs alongside the flames. John was directed down a paved access road off Santa Teresa near Bayliss Avenue. This road marked the southern edge of the fire and kept the fire from spreading in that direction. Within a few minutes, less than half the fire line was visible, indicating a successful mobile attack on the mostly high-weed-covered landscape.
John provided water, Gatorade and Clif bars for the firefighters. After 2 hours, most of the fire units had been released, except for several rigs waiting for Dozer 1641 to complete a dozer line around the fire, which was estimated at 5+ acres. FSU-3 was released at 6:05 A.M. and returned to quarters.
As John neared the scene, he could see a very impressive fire line snaking up the hillsides toward Santa Teresa County Park, with red lights flashing from many fire rigs alongside the flames. John was directed down a paved access road off Santa Teresa near Bayliss Avenue. This road marked the southern edge of the fire and kept the fire from spreading in that direction. Within a few minutes, less than half the fire line was visible, indicating a successful mobile attack on the mostly high-weed-covered landscape.
John provided water, Gatorade and Clif bars for the firefighters. After 2 hours, most of the fire units had been released, except for several rigs waiting for Dozer 1641 to complete a dozer line around the fire, which was estimated at 5+ acres. FSU-3 was released at 6:05 A.M. and returned to quarters.
-- Report submitted by John Whiteside
